From Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands Day Trip with Lunch

Three islands and the sea does the work. This Elaphite Islands day trip turns Dubrovnik into a boat ride, with island wandering plus swimming time and a sand-and-sun stop on Lopud at Šunj Beach.

I especially like the way the schedule gives you a proper beach block, not just a quick photo stop.

I also love the onboard setup. You get a live English guide, and the crew keeps things easy with unlimited drinks (wine, juice, and water) plus WiFi while you’re on the water.

One thing to keep in mind: the visits on Koločep and Šipan are shorter, so you’ll feel more “see and walk” than “live on the beach” on those islands. If your heart is set on long, beach-only time every stop, this might feel a bit tight.

Key Things I’d Watch For Before You Go

• Lopud gets the longest break for swimming, relaxing, and choosing your own pace.
• Šunj Beach is the sand payoff, the one many people end up planning their time around.
• Lunch is part of the boat day, not an afterthought, with meat, fish, or vegetarian choices.
• Unlimited wine, juice, and water means you can focus on the day instead of the bar line.
• Guide and crew attention matters, with names like Milos, Ivica, Emil, and Sandra showing up in feedback.
• The order can shift by day, so your first island might not always be the one you expect.

From Dubrovnik to the Elaphites, the Real Point of This Day

This is a classic Dubrovnik escape, but with a practical twist. Instead of hiking between viewpoints or squeezing into day crowds, you start with a hotel pickup (if you choose it), then move straight to the port and the boat. From there, the day runs like a moving picnic and a slow cruise between three islands in the Dubrovnik archipelago.

What makes it work is the balance. You get structured time on each island, but you also get genuine free time to wander, swim, and reset your brain after the Old Town buzz. And because lunch happens on board, you avoid the usual chaos of finding a proper meal while the ferry is leaving soon.

Also, you’re not locked into one “activity.” Some people want history vibes on Koločep, some want a walking loop on Šipan, and most people just want water and sun on Lopud. This tour gives you a slice of all three.

Price and What $70 Really Covers

At about $70 per person for an 8-hour outing, the value comes from what you get bundled in. This isn’t just transport to an island and back. Your price includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (only if you select that option)
• A live tour guide
• Boat ride and sightseeing cruise time
• Lunch on board with meat, fish, or vegetarian selection
• Unlimited drinks (wine, juice, and water)
• WiFi onboard

If you tried to recreate that on your own, you’d likely pay separately for boat tickets, a guide (or you’d spend time researching), and lunch plus drinks. The “quiet benefit” here is time. You spend the day outside Dubrovnik with less decision-making.

That said, food quality seems consistent but not identical for every menu choice. Reviews often praise the fish and chicken lunches, while the vegetarian option has gotten mixed feedback, ranging from fine to basic. You’ll still eat well enough for a day on the water, but don’t expect a gourmet tasting menu.

Meeting Point and Timing, So You Don’t Stress

This tour starts early. You meet at 08:30 am, about 100 meters east of the gate of MARINA FRAPA at the new pier, near the ship IVANA.

If you book without pickup, arriving on time matters because the boat day is timed between islands. If you do choose hotel pickup, it’s typically handled as part of the experience, which saves you from port-navigation headaches.

Tip I’d give you: aim to arrive a little early. Even if everything runs smoothly, morning port logistics and finding the right dock can cost you a few minutes.

The Boat Ride: Easygoing, WiFi-Optional, Drinks Included

The boat portion is more than a transfer. You get sightseeing cruise time between islands, so the day has that “moving balcony” feeling while you watch the coastline open up.

Onboard, the essentials are covered. You’ll have WiFi onboard, and the crew brings unlimited drinks including wine, juice, and water. Several reviews mention the drinks are served cold, and that the wine is refreshing even if you might have your own preference after a few sips.

There’s also a social vibe, not rowdy. One detail that shows up repeatedly is music, with classic 2000s tracks and occasional song requests from the DJ. If you want silence to read your book, you might not get it. If you want a pleasant day mood, it fits.

Also pay attention to how the boat feels in terms of space. Some feedback notes the ship not being full at certain times, which makes the day feel calmer. Even if it’s busier during peak season, the trip still isn’t described as a cramped cattle-car situation.

Stop 1: Koločep for Island Walking and Medieval-Era Atmosphere

Koločep is one of the reasons people book this tour in the first place. It’s the island stop where you get a taste of medieval heritage through the feel of older settlements and old-stone island life.

The downside, if you’re expecting a slow, all-day wander, is time. Koločep is a short free-time visit, so you’ll want to pick a direction quickly. Focus on a loop: walk, look, snap a few photos, and then decide whether you want to swim or head back for the next leg.

If you like history-style atmosphere without the museum fatigue, this stop hits the sweet spot. You’re not trapped indoors, and you’re not stuck in a long bus ride either.

Practical tip: wear shoes you can trust on uneven stone paths. Island walking isn’t always flat.

Stop 2: Šipan for a Pleasant Walk and a Swim Option

Šipan is where the tour leans a bit more into “stroll and breathe.” You get free time for walking and the chance to swim. Compared to Lopud, the pace is more about wandering and finding your own rhythm.

Because the visit is relatively short, I’d treat Šipan like a reset stop. Walk far enough to feel like you left Dubrovnik behind. Then come back for swimming time if conditions look good.

Also, don’t count on perfect weather. One review mentions rain at the start, with the islands still feeling beautiful enough to stroll. When the sun returned, they even got a short swim later. So if the morning looks gloomy, don’t automatically assume the whole day is ruined.

Stop 3: Lopud and Šunj Beach, the Day’s Big Payoff

Lopud is the island that most people end up talking about after the day is over. You’ll typically get the longest break here, and it’s the stop built for relaxing.

Here’s what to expect:

• A long window for swimming and sunbathing
• Plenty of time to wander the island
• The option to aim for Šunj Beach, known for its sand

This is where you can switch from “tour mode” to “vacation mode.” Spread out your time. Swim first if you’re hot and energetic. If you’re more into lounging, find a spot and stay put for a while.

One useful tip from feedback: Šunj Beach can be reached by walking routes, but you might notice small golf-cart style rides if the terrain feels steep. People mention a rough price around €3 each for those rides. If walking up and down sounds exhausting, that’s a smart choice for saving your energy for the beach itself.

And yes, Lopud is often described as having a nice contrast, with sandy areas compared with the pebble-style shores you might see elsewhere on the trip.

Lunch on Board: Meat, Fish, or Vegetarian, Plus Wine

Lunch is served on the boat, during the island sequence, which is exactly how it should be on a day like this. You’re not stuck hunting a restaurant while everyone’s hungry and the boat schedule is waiting.

You can choose between:

• Meat menu
• Fish menu
• Vegetarian menu

People regularly praise the fish and chicken options. Some reviews mention a whole sea bass served with vegetables like cucumber, cabbage, and tomato, plus bread. Others say they got seconds, which matters when you’re spending the day outdoors.

About the vegetarian lunch: it sometimes gets called out as more basic, including cold vegetables and plain bread. If you’re vegetarian and want something heartier, it’s worth planning for that reality and considering bringing a snack just in case your menu choice lands on the lighter side.

Drinks during lunch are part of the unlimited set. Wine, juice, and water are included, and the wine is often described as cool and refreshing. One review also notes wine wasn’t their favorite, but it still didn’t ruin the experience. In other words, most people are happy with it, but you may have your own standards.

The Real Value: Guided, But Still Flexible

This is a tour that works because it does not micromanage your day. The guide helps you find your bearings and keeps you on time for reboarding. Between those checkpoints, you’re free to explore.

That matters more than you might think. Dubrovnik can feel intense. A day trip like this lowers the stress level because you’re not building a plan from scratch.

Also, the crew style shows up in feedback. Names like Milos, Emil, Ivica, and Sandra show up as guides who keep people comfortable, attentive, and informed. You’re not left guessing when it’s time to return to the boat.

Who Should Book This Tour

Book this if you want:

• A low-effort way to see multiple islands from Dubrovnik
• Time to swim, especially at Lopud and Šunj Beach
• Lunch included, with your choice of meat, fish, or vegetarian
• A friendly crew and a day plan that runs on schedule

You might skip it if:

• You want long visits on every island, Koločep and Šipan are shorter windows
• You’re sensitive to basic vegetarian meals and want something very substantial

If you’re traveling as a couple, this is a solid day for sharing beach time. If you’re a group, the boat format makes it easy to meet people without sacrificing your own space.

What to Pack for a Better Day at Sea

Since the day includes swimming and beach time, pack for water and sun. Bring:

• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A light layer if you get chilly on the boat
• Shoes that handle uneven stone paths

Also, keep cash and a card handy in case you decide to use any on-island rides where walking is steep. Some people do this to get to Šunj Beach more easily.

Should You Book the Elaphite Islands Day Trip?

Yes, I think you should, if your goal is a relaxed, well-fed day away from Dubrovnik crowds with meaningful beach time. This tour is strong on the parts most people actually remember: the sand at Šunj Beach, the easy boat rhythm, and lunch plus drinks handled for you.

I’d hesitate only if your priority is maximizing time on every island. In that case, Lopud is where you’ll feel like you really got your money’s worth, while Koločep and Šipan are more of a “walk, look, swim if you want” pace.

FAQ

FAQ

Which islands are included in the trip?

You’ll visit the Elaphite islands of Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud.

How long is the tour from Dubrovnik?

The duration is 8 hours.

Is lunch included, and can I choose what I eat?

Yes. Lunch is included and you can choose from meat, fish, or vegetarian menu options.

Are drinks included during the day?

Yes. You get unlimited drinks, including wine, juice, and water. Additional drinks are not included.

Is WiFi available during the boat ride?

Yes. WiFi onboard is included.

Is there pickup from Dubrovnik hotels?

Hotel pickup is optional. If you select the pickup option, it includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

What language is the tour guide?

The live tour guide provides English commentary.

Can I swim on the islands?

Yes. Swimming time is included, with options to swim or sunbathe on Lopud and also swim at Šipan and Koločep.

Where and when do I meet the tour?

You meet at 08:30 am, at 100 meters east of the gate of MARINA FRAPA, new peer, ship IVANA.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.